Kirsten Bowen has had a multi-leveled career in the rail industry and with AREMA. Since joining AREMA in 2008, Bowen has previously chaired and continues to be involved with Committee 14 - Yards & Terminals, and continues to volunteer on the Conference Operating Committee (COC), assisting and supporting the on-site operations of the Annual Conference & Expo. “I have increased my network through AREMA, connecting much quicker with people across the country.”
Currently working as the VP/National Director for Rail and Transit at Michael Baker International (MBI), Bowen sees her work as rewarding, especially when she is able to mentor the next generation of industry professionals and provide younger colleagues opportunities for growth through experiences. She herself was able to participate on an MBI-sponsored Bridges to Prosperity (now known as Fika) team in 2025, building a footbridge in Rwanda.
She got her start in the rail industry working on the 75th Street CIP for the CREATE program. “As a young engineer, that was my real entry into the industry, and I was able to grow and diversify from there,” she says. And in addition to seeing a project go from concept to completion, Bowen enjoys working with and for many great people on fast-paced projects across the country. “While many projects have similarities, we [at MBI] have been lucky to work on some complex projects with unique challenges and solutions.”
In her time outside of work, Bowen really enjoys road trips or vacations with some sort of adventure or adrenaline rush, such as roller coasters or ziplining. She considers her biggest accomplishment to be being able to balance her professional success with raising her child, who has autism.
Kirsten, we salute your accomplishments, tenacity, and your willingness to help others. Thank you for all that you do to make the rail industry that much better.